Hibbing school board votes down bell-to-bell student cell-phone ban

At its July 23, 2025, meeting the Hibbing Public School District School Board considered changes to policy 607.5, "Cell Phones and Other Personal Electronic Communication Devices," and rejected a proposal to ban cell phones during the school day.

Superintendent Aldrich presented the second reading of several policies, including 607.5. Director Egan moved, and Director Polcher supported, an amendment to change the policy from allowing cell phones during the lunch period only to prohibiting cell phones and other personal electronic communication devices "bell to bell." The measure was decided by roll call: in favor were Directors Polcher and Egan and Chair John Berklich; opposed were Directors Gabardi, Galatz and McLaughlin. The motion failed on a 3–3 vote, leaving the existing allowance (cell phones permitted during lunch) in place.

After the roll call, Director McLaughlin moved, supported by Director Gabardi, to adopt a narrower revision that would read "bell to bell with the exception of lunch." Chair Berklich did not allow that motion to be taken to a vote; no formal outcome was recorded for the alternative motion. The board did not adopt any change to policy 607.5 at this meeting.

Board members did not record direct quotes in the minutes for or against the proposal; debate focused on the language and scope of the restriction. The measure was part of routine second readings of policy 503 (Student Attendance), 607 (Internet and Technology Acceptable Use and Safety Policy) and 802 (Disposition of Obsolete Equipment and Material), all presented by the superintendent.

Next steps: Because the board completed a second reading without adopting the proposed amendment, policy 607.5 remains as previously written. Board members may bring further amendments at a future meeting if they choose to reintroduce the item for consideration.